Combined security agencies have neutralised at least 27 people suspected to be kidnappers and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Enugu State, News About Nigeria reports.
The governor’s media office disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, stating that the individuals were killed in various locations across the state over the past two weeks during shootouts with security operatives.
This comes after Governor Peter Mbah declared a crackdown on Biafra separatist groups and other criminal elements.
The statement noted that some of those neutralised were loyal to Simon Ekpa, also known as Auto Pilot IPOB, based in Finland.
It added that in a recent operation, a joint security team led by Superintendent Onochie Ezeh rescued kidnapped victims and killed a seven-man gang of kidnappers at Ogbeke Nike, where a large poultry farm was used to hide hostages.
The operation, according to the Governor, is part of ongoing efforts to flush out criminals operating in the state, including kidnappers, unknown gunmen, and other unscrupulous elements, some of whom are believed to be operating from neighbouring states.
The statement reads, “We have been on the trail of these kidnappers for more than three months now. They had been operating within this axis, where they kidnapped their victims and kept them at a large poultry farm at Ogbeke Nike until ransoms were paid.
“Upon receiving a tip-off from members of the public who suspected the strange movements in the area, and based on the accounts of some of the victims of these criminals, we swung into action. On sighting us, these men of the underworld opened fire on my men, and we quickly retaliated and overpowered them with our superior firepower.
“This is a gallant crack squad with the mandate to eliminate every form of threat in the state. We have recorded huge successes over the past few months. You know our role is not to rush to the media to tell our story but to ensure that every citizen and resident of the state has peace.
“I can tell you that we have already neutralised over seven criminal gangs, most of whom were kidnappers and unknown gunmen. We are going after them. We are taking the battle to their doorsteps because the governor has instructed us not to return until we have completely rid the state of these threats.”
